While we had the opportunity, we spoke with the New US Ambassador about Belize's recent downgrade by the US State Department. The country was placed in Tier 2 in the State Department's ratings because the Agency's assessment is that the authorities haven't done enough to combat human trafficking.
In its 2014 Report On Human Trafficking, which was released last week, the US State Department claimed that there is, Quote "...failure to convict and punish trafficking offenders, especially allegedly complicit government officials…" End Quote.
That's very strong language, and major allegations being made against the government. Today, however, when Ambassador Carlos Moreno was asked about it, he said that while it's cause for concern, Human Trafficking isn't a problem only in Belize:
Carlos Moreno, US Ambassador to Belize
"These assessments are merely that. By no means are they an indictment and I think it means that we just have to work together cooperatively to address the major issues that are raised in those kinds of assessments. In terms of the relationship between the two governments, I think it demonstrates a sense of openness and a desire to engage in constructive dialogue to work on a solution. The tip problem is not just a problem in Belize; it is a worldwide problem and the United States is also implicated. So I think that these reports are good for us to look at, to analyze and come about with constructive solutions."
The US State Department ranks each country from tier 1 to 3 when assessing the efforts made to combat human trafficking. 1 is the best rating, and 3 is the worst. The report notes that there is"coerced prostitution of children," "child sex tourism" and forced labor in Asian restaurants and shops here in Belize.
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